© Getty Images Sport – Gregory Shamus / Staff
In the 2009 Solheim Cup, played at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois from August 21st to 23rd, the bookmakers predicted Team USA as the winner.However, the European Championships – despite the absence of Annika Sorenstam – gave the Stars and Stripes players a hard time: after the first two days the score was tied, 8-8.The third day was decisive: Team USA won the first three singles, but the decisive point came in the eleventh single when Morgan Pressel defeated Anna Nordqvist by 3&2.
Team USA thus retained the Solheim Cup with a final score of 16-12.
Solheim Cup, 2009
These are the two teams.Team USA: Beth Daniel (captain), Meg Mallon (vice-captain), Kelly Robbins (vice-captain), Nicole Castrale, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gubis, Cristie Kerr, Christina Kim, Brittany Lang, Brittany Lincicome, Kristy McPherson, Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Juli Inkster, Michelle Wie West.Team Europe: Alison Nicholas (captain), Joanne Morley (vice-captain), Liselotte Neumann (vice-captain), Helen Alfredsson, Laura Davies, Tania Elosegue, Sophie Gustafson, Maria Hjorth, Diana Luna, Catriona Matthew, Gwladys Nocera, Suzann Pettersen, Becky Brewerton, Janice Moodie, Anna Nordqvist.Diana Luna qualified automatically, thanks to the two victories achieved during 2009 on the Ladies European Tour: the AIB Ladies Irish Open and the SAS Ladies Masters.“It is undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my golf career.
First of all, I felt great satisfaction in having managed to qualify. In 2008 my golf was on the rise, but not stable. In 2009 I was still growing, and finding myself playing among the ‘giants’ of the LPGA was a great emotion for me.
The experience is absolutely unparalleled: a unique atmosphere, you play for glory and this is precisely what makes the difference.. And then there’s the cheering… that’s unique too! The Stars and Stripes fans, when you play at their home, are wild: you walk through corridors of people shouting ‘U.S.A.’
in your face. USA.’ …. (laughs ed.) … you don’t forget it easily! Yes, truly unforgettable days! Of course, we missed the victory, but it was still a special week.”
